Big changes for drivers from July 2025: what to expect and what to look out for

What’s changing from July

If you’ve ever changed your licence, crashed a car or bought a used car, you’ll know how tedious or confusing some tasks can be. That’s exactly what the new rules have taken aim at – the aim is to simplify, digitise and make traffic control more efficient.

An overview of the most important changes:

• The police are only called to a non-injury accident if the damage exceeds CZK 200,000 – the limitfor the mandatory call to the police for a traffic accident is increased. If no one is injured and damage to vehicles or third party property does not exceed CZK 200,000, it is sufficient to fill in an accident report.
• The driving licence will arrive at the dispensing box – you can have the new licence sent to AlzaBox, for example – a physical visit to the office is no longer necessary even when collecting it. Just apply via the Transport Portal.
• The registration check is (almost) abolished – if the vehicle has a valid MOT, there is no longer a need to pass a registration check at the time of reassignment. The validity of the check is now extended to 2 years.
• The Road Transport Inspectorate is created – the new inspection arm will have extensive powers: to stop a vehicle, fine it and ban it from further driving. It will inspect not only trucks but also ordinary passenger cars.
• Changes for drivers of “fast tractors” – so-called “tatractors” will no longer be allowed to be driven by 17-year-olds with a T-group. A “C” licence and a professional licence are now required – as for lorries.
• Fewer signs and clearer routes during closures – new signage will simplify detours and reduce the number of directional signs on the roads. We take inspiration from Germany, where such a system is already in place.

New rules for accidents – practical scenarios and mistakes that don’t pay

Until now, the rule was that you only had to call the police to an accident if the damage to vehicles or property exceeded CZK 100,000, if there were injuries or if there was no agreement on fault. In other cases, it is sufficient to draw up an accident report with the other party involved in the accident. The existing conditions still apply, but the amount of damages has doubled. You should therefore only call the police if you have incurred damage of CZK 200,000 or more.

It sounds simple, but in practice there can be a few snags. For example – what if you are not sure about the amount of damage? In modern cars, even a scratched bumper can mean tens of thousands of crowns. And if it later turns out that the damage exceeded the legal limit, the insurance company may refuse to pay or claim the damage retrospectively. In such a case, failure to pay the police can become very expensive.

Recommendation? If you’re not sure, call the police instead. This is also true if the other driver seems unsure, changes statements or refuses to sign the accident report. The police will help resolve the matter objectively and your legal position will be much stronger.

Replacing a driving licence – how to do it step by step and what not to underestimate

If your licence is expiring, you have lost it or it has been stolen, you no longer have to run around the authorities. From July 2025, you can apply for a new licence online and it will arrive at your local ticket office. Simply log in to the Transport Portal, where you register using your bank identity, eGovernment mobile key or eObčanka.

The application will pre-populate itself – including a recent photo from the population register and a signature. You just choose which of the possible 10,000 locations the card should be delivered to (e.g. AlzaBox or a branch of the Czech Post). You pay the fee online and collect your licence without waiting. You don’t have to return the old one, even when you go to get a new one because it’s expired.

But remember: you must carry your plastic card when travelling abroad. The police abroad do not have access to the Czech database. And if you have changed your details (e.g. your surname), make sure they are consistent with your driving licence – otherwise there may be complications, for example when renting a car or arranging insurance.

New rules on record checks

The registration check applies to you whenever you sell or buy a used car. It is a compulsory step when transferring a car to a new owner – it checks that the information on the registration certificate matches the actual condition of the car. It is a quick but essential check at a technical inspection station(STK), which must be carried out by everyone who changes ownership of a vehicle. During this check, the MOT testers will compare the information on the documents (e.g. VIN or engine type) with what they actually find when they check the car.

Until recently, the registration check was only valid for 30 days. Since March 2023, the validity period has been extended to one year – and now, thanks to an amendment to the Road Act, it will be valid for two years. The aim of the change is to simplify the whole process when selling or buying a car.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the change will eliminate unnecessary paperwork when a vehicle is reassigned. If the car has a valid regular technical inspection, it will not be necessary to undergo a registration check at all. And as a bonus, you can easily check information on previous inspections and mileage on the www.kontrolatachometru.cz website.

Road Traffic Inspection – who can stop you and what they check

From July 2025, there’s a new player on the roads: the Road Traffic Inspectorate. Don’t be fooled – it’s not a new authority, but a rebranded Road Traffic Service Centre that has been given expanded powers. Inspectors are no longer just an auxiliary force – they can now stop a vehicle themselves, carry out an inspection and issue a fine.

Their main objective is to oversee fairness in transport. They will focus on the compliance of hauliers with their obligations, overloaded vehicles, the state of speedometers or the roadworthiness of vehicles. New mobile units – including the so-called mobile STK, which can carry out basic technical checks on the spot – are also used for this purpose. There are currently 22 of these on the roads.

Inspectors can also check ordinary passenger cars if they suspect a breach of the rules – for example, non-compliance with weight limits, a safety hazard or irregularities in the registration.

Changes to signage – where the signs will go and what the new symbols mean

You may have noticed some road signs disappearing or new ones appearing that you haven’t seen before. From July 2025, an amendment to the Traffic Regulation Ordinance is in force to simplify road signs and make them clearer.

The changes mainly affect directional signs, which were often unnecessarily repeated or complicatedly placed on each branch of an intersection. The Ministry of Transport is now reducing the number of directional signs in situations where such a sign can be placed elsewhere than on the right-hand side of the road of each branch of the intersection, as has been the case until now. There will also be fewer structures on which signs hang, which cyclists in particular will appreciate – less risk of collision and better orientation.

Among the new features are signs indicating alternate routes on motorways – specifically designed for unexpected closures. Drivers will be better able to indicate suitable routes off the motorway without relying on their own navigation. Alternate routes are pre-selected and designated for emergencies on specific roads.

Low Emission Zone signs have also been changed – now you no longer need an emissions plaque on your windscreen, the authorities will verify the information electronically. The result should be less confusion and more clarity for all road users.

How to protect yourself in the event of a dispute or insurance claim

Changes in traffic regulations bring with them not only greater convenience, but also new risks – especially if there is an accident or dispute with an insurance company. What can you do to be sure of the fender benders?

1. Always keep the evidence. Whether it’s a car accident or a roadworthiness check, photo documentation is essential. Take pictures not only of the damage, but also of the license plate, the traffic situation, and any damage to surrounding property.

2. Write the accident report carefully. Even though the police may not be called, the accident form is still a key piece of evidence. Include all the details, including the date, time, and description of the incident. If you are unsure of fault, do not sign anything under duress.

3. Have everything confirmed in writing. This also applies when replacing a licence or dealing with a fine. For online communications, keep a receipt of application or payment.

And if you get into a dispute? Don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer. In many cases, a protracted negotiation with the insurance company or unexpected penalties can be avoided with just one well-articulated call or advice from a professional.

Summary

From July 2025, a number of changes are being rolled out to make it easier for drivers to get on with their daily routine – no queuing to change their licence, fewer unnecessary checks or clearer signage. On the other hand, there is a need to be more alert. You don’t call the police to an accident as often anymore, so the responsibility for filling out the correct report and estimating the damage lies with you.

The new Road Traffic Inspectorate has extensive powers and you can experience the inspection even as an ordinary driver. Equally, new signs or online applications can cause confusion if you’re not familiar with them.

Don’t want to risk unnecessary fines, disputes with your insurance company or wasted time? Keep up to date with the latest changes and don’t hesitate to consult a lawyer if in doubt. Quick advice can save you from a long problem.